ETX men on road to recovery following oilfield explosion

Video captured in Atascosa County shows the scene after a water pipe perforating gun exploded, seriously injuring two East Texans.

Atascosa Authorities said the men were employed by J-W Wireline Company and were airlifted to the San Antonio Military Medical Center.

"I'm thankful they're alive," said friend Jarett Stephenson.

One of the most recent pictures Stephenson received from Lenard Crabb shows him in his hospital bed, wearing a smile. Stephenson said Crabb is just thankful to have survived the accident that took part of his arm and caused other injuries so severe that he's been in the hospital for more than a month.

"He had a lot of intestinal injuries, broke his femur, his leg. He told me last night, he said he found out he broke his shoulder I guess during the blast when he fell down on his trailer," Stephenson said.

His coworker suffered major injuries as well.

"Chris Barrios has lost this section of his hand all the way down through his arm here and part of his ring finger on his right hand. He's got a lot of shrapnel, they both have a lot of shrapnel, but Chris has a lot of shrapnel in his hands. There's so much little pieces that they can't really get it out," Stephenson said.

Stephenson worked for weeks to put together a benefit with live music, food and a silent auction for the men who will require months, maybe years of rehabilitation.

The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at Lago del Pino. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. They are charging $10 per person at the door. Half of that money will be donated to Crabb and Barrios.

Stephenson said if you cannot attend the benefit, but wish to make a donation, you may mail a check to Citizens National Bank P.O. Box 127, Chandler, TX 75758. You may also make a donation in person at the bank located in Chandler or Athens.

Stephenson said to make sure you designate that you want your donation to go to the Lenard Crabb and Chris Barrios (split) Fund.

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File). FILE - In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior....

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>